Effect of Feeding Sun Dried Buffalo Rumen Digesta (SDBRD) on The Hematological Profile of Growing Buffalo(Bubalus Bubalis)Calves

Abstract

The hematological response of growing buffalo calves fed diets containing varying levels of sun dried buffalo rumen digesta (SDBRD) was studied for a period of 120 days (8 fortnights). The wet bovine rumen digesta was collected from Al Faheem Meatex Ltd abattoir, Hapur road, Meerut and dried in the sun to 93% dry matter and stored in polythene bags. The composition of SDBRD used in this study was 93.03% dry matter; 9% crude protein; 0.79 ether extract; 36.70% crude fiber; 13.50 ash; 40.01 nitrogen free extract and 1800 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Five treatments coded as T0 (control diet), T1, T2 and T3 were used. The level of inclusion of SDBRD in T0 (control diet), T1, T2 and T3 were 0%, 25%, 50% and 75%, respectively. Haematological parameters were at the beginning and end of the experiment experimental period. The recorded levels of all studied hematological parameters pre and post experimental period did not differ significantly. There was however an increase in all parameters across all treatment groups. The study revealed that sun dried buffalo rumen digesta (SDBRD) could replace conventional feed ingredients up to 75% on dry matter basis without significant health effect. This would reduce the completion of conventional feed ingredients between food and feed and would also provide a cheaper alternative for disposing the rumen digesta from the abattoirs and reduce environmental pollution through dumping of the wet rumen digesta by slaughter houses globally. The farmers would also get cheaper feed ingredients.